Cam-operated oscillator system for the mandible

Abstract

The mandible oscillator system comprises an intraoral-extraoral appliance mounted on the upper and lower arches of the user. Extraoral oscillating means are coupled to the extraoral portion of the appliance for forcibly oscillating the lower jaw within a predetermined angular range between a starting position and an end position. During one-half cycle of oscillation, the lower jaw is forced to move away from the upper jaw, and during the other half-cycle, the lower jaw is forced to move toward the upper jaw.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 
     
       1. In a fully-involuntary mandible oscillator system adapted to forcefully impose on the use rhythmic mandibular movements, an upper splint having a first portion adapted to be releasably secured to the user's upper jaw and having a second portion which extends extraorally, and a lower splint having a third portion adapted to be releasably secured to the user's lower jaw and having a fourth portion which extends extraorally; said system comprising: an appliance coupled to said second and fourth portions; and   extraoral, cam-operated oscillating means coupled to said appliance for forcibly oscillating the lower jaw within a predetermined angular range between a start position and an end position, whereby during one-half cycle of oscillation the lower jaw is forced to move away from the upper jaw, and during the other half-cycle the lower jaw is forced to move toward the upper jaw.   
     
     
       2. In a fully-involuntary mandible oscillator system adapted to forcefully impose on the user rhythmic mandibular movements, an upper splint having a first portion adapted to be releasably secured to the user's upper jaw and having a second portion which extends extraorally, and a lower splint having a third portion adapted to be releasably secured to the user's lower jaw and having a fourth portion which extends extraorally; said system comprising: bracket means coupled to said second and fourth portions; and   cam means coupled between said bracket means for forcibly oscillating the lower jaw within a predetermined angular range between a start position and an end position, whereby during one-half cycle of oscillation the lower jaw is forced to move away from the upper jaw, and during the other half-cycle the lower jaw is forced to move toward the upper jaw.   
     
     
       3. The mandible oscillator system according to claim 2, wherein said bracket means include an upper bracket releasably secured to said second portion; and   a lower bracket releasably secured to said fourth portion.   
     
     
       4. The mandible oscillator system according to claim 3, wherein said cam means is pivotally coupled to said upper bracket; and   reciprocating linear means for pivoting said cam means.